LibreOffice is finally getting an online version. You can now use a prototype of LibreOffice Writer online, courtesy of WebAssembly (WA). WA is a code format that lets executable files like the LibreOffice Apps run inside a browser.
While the browser version is still in the testing phase, it hints at exciting things for the future. Read on to find out what's coming, and how to try it for yourself.
LibreOffice Can Now Run in Browsers
The news came at the Free and Open source Software Developers' European Meeting (FOSDEM). During their presentation, developers Jan-Marek Glogowski and Thorsten Behrens announced the demo. It works in Firefox and Chromium browsers on Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The LibreOffice via WebAssembly project is nicknamed LOWA. It's a collaboration between the LibreOffice team and Allotropia. Allotropia is a consultancy company that specializes in free, open-source software.
How to Use LibreOffice Writer Online
You can try out a prototype of LOWA. It's a large chunk of code (300MB), so it may take a moment to load. Once it's ready, you'll see the familiar interface of LibreOffice Writer.
Behrens says they will introduce a more web-standard interface later, but they plan to keep all the features. Most browser versions of desktop software slim down the options. If LOWA keeps all its functions, it will become even stronger as a free alternative to Microsoft Office.
Many of the basic features, such as text entry and shapes, are already working. Basic customization such as the View > Toolbars choices work at the time of writing, too. But it is still a prototype, and can't replace the desktop apps just yet.
Upcoming Features in the LibreOffice Browser Version
The FOSDEM presentation slides promise some useful functions. Privacy-by-default is especially appealing. For those who want to encrypt their files, "Here's your no-data-ever-goes-to-any-server-solution!"
Behrens announced that the browser version will run entirely locally. This means users won't have to rely on servers at all. Your browser will do all the heavy lifting. It could also allow LOWA to work faster than server-based web apps.
Android compatibility is also exciting for private users. This is a big step toward LibreOffice Mobile Apps. Until a real app comes, mobile users can load the browser software.
The presentation also promises that the browser app will work as an HTML widget by the end of September 2022. This widget will also support rich text editing. If LOWA does everything the developers say it will do, it will make a capable suite of free online office tools.
Look Forward to Free Office Software Online
LibreOffice's online version is still early in development, but you can still preview the experimental version and look forward to the next phase. The project plans to start simulating real user experiences by Summer 2022, so it's coming along quickly.
It's a good time to start examining LibreOffice more closely.